Definition
In instrument flying, approaches are the published procedures a pilot flies to transition an aircraft from the en route phase of flight down to a position from which a landing can be made, using instrument references rather than visual cues. Each approach specifies a defined ground track, altitudes, navigation aids, descent points, and minimums that must be met before landing.
Plain English
An approach is the step-by-step path a pilot follows on instruments to safely descend from cruise altitude toward the runway, often in cloud or low visibility, until the runway is in sight and a landing can be made.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flight training when practicing the procedures used before landing, including descending, lining up with the runway area, and preparing to land or climb away.
Derivation
From the Old French aprochier, meaning to come near. In flying, an approach is literally the act of coming near the airport in a controlled, prescribed way.
Why Pilots Care
Approaches are where most weather-related accidents happen. Flying them precisely — at the right altitudes, on the right track, and respecting minimums — is the difference between a routine landing and a controlled flight into terrain.
Intuition Check
Do not read approaches as just “ways of getting closer” in a general sense. In instrument flying, approaches are structured procedures with specific paths and altitude limits that lead toward a runway or airport.
Example Sentence 1
After receiving clearance, the pilot briefed the approach, set the navigation radios, and began the descent from the initial fix.
Example Sentence 2
After the holding pattern the pilot began the approach to the runway.